Organization encourages local participation

by Michael Cobb

Growing awareness of the impact of climate change led to the formation in autumn 2020 of the Norfolk Climate Coalition (NCC), a local grassroots organization studying how a changing climate affects our town and surrounding region. Concerned residents are sharing ideas and activities such as online presentations, renewable energy initiatives and community building exercises. The NCC is open to all. Says Norfolk resident Nancy Kriegel, “A changing climate is a challenge and opportunity for our community. The old stories are too dull. Let’s make it fun and learn a new dance about climate!” 

Tamara Muruetagoiena, executive director of Great Mountain Forest, offers her thoughts on how climate change affects local health, ecosystems and biodiversity. “Climate change will increase the frequency of severe weather such as tornadoes, microbursts, cold snaps and heat waves, often causing negative impacts on the forests in our region. It means the arrival of pathogens affecting some species, including our beautiful hemlock trees. Lyme disease is also related to climate change.” 

“Every tree in Norfolk plays a role in global climate change mitigation,” she continues.  While emphasizing that invasive species are a problem for our area, she is confident that “healthy forests keep people healthy.”

Tom Strumolo is a Norfolk resident who works on renewable energy initiatives on the local and national level. “Developers of the Norfolk Landfill Solar Project are still seeking funding, with progress being slow but evident,” he reports. “As we turn into a clean energy culture, solar power will make up more of our grid and meet more of Norfolk citizens’ power needs. While our landfill project will have a tiny impact on overall emissions, its impact on local emissions will be profound if it inspires our neighbors to actually put out their fossil fuel fires and replace them with solar power. Most importantly, it will help raise general awareness of what is a global problem—our emissions impact on the whole world.” 

Pastor Erick Olsen of the Norfolk Congregational Church believes the challenges of climate change present opportunities for connection to nature and each other. 

“One of the first things that comes to mind when I consider our interdependence is the ‘Earthrise’ photo taken by one of the Apollo 8 astronauts on Christmas Eve 1968. The image reminds us of the fragility of Earth and of our connectedness to this precious orb. I would heartily welcome more intentional practices of awe and appreciation: snowshoeing groups, bird-watching outings, etc. The more we savor what we have—including each other—the more motivated we are to protect it,” he says. 

One participant in the Norfolk Climate Coalition is Tom Murtha, who describes NCC’s activities as “connecting everyone in our community through a common cause of climate adaptation and resilience.”  

The NCC welcomes everyone’s participation, says Murtha. “We can bring about a more ‘grounded’ understanding of our community’s impacts and dependencies on nature by developing closer relationships with each other, as well as supporting and cultivating creative expression through the visual, performing and literary arts.” 

Through its connections with other local organizations and continued community building, NCC hopes to bring about real, positive change in Norfolk. To get involved, contact the group at norfolkccct@gmail.com.